Singing River Publications

Singing River Publications
Publishing Life's Journeys
FAQ's

Children's Books

Fiction

Non-Fiction

Manuscript Submission

How do I submit a manuscript for Singing River Publication's review?
Please see our Submission Guidelines page.

Do I need to format my book for Singing River Publication's specifications?
No. If you ask for our specifications and format your manuscript accordingly you may be able to save some costs. You also have the option of having us format the manuscript for you.

How long will it take Singing River Publications to decide to publish my book?
Review of a manuscript can take up to two weeks. Please read our Submission Guidelines page for a more complete time frame.

Can I have pictures, charts or graphics in my book?
Yes.

The Publishing Process

How long will it take to publish and print my book?
After editing is complete, publishing and printing a "clean" manuscript takes approximately 180 days. Your book is placed into a time line according to your contract, editing/illustrating decisions and corrections, and print schedules. We will keep you updated about the status of the publishing process and involved you as much as possible.

How will my book be edited?
Singing River Publications provides at least one editor and sometimes several editors depending upon the type of editing needed (i.e., syntax, copyright permissions, grammar, spelling, rewriting if needed, providing supplemental information, and illustrations).

Who designs my cover?
The cover design is a combination of the author's request and personal artistry, implementation and/or design by a graphic artist (ours or yours). Singing River Publications has final approval of the book cover.

Who will illustrate my book?
We can provide illustrators or an author may find her or his own illustrator(s). However, all illustrations are subject to discussion and final approval by Singing River Publications.

What will it cost me to publish my book?
Cost is estimated by calculating the number of books to be printed and takes into account editing and illustration fees, production layout, and printing fees. The cost is reflected in the contract between the author and Singing River Publications.

How is the cover price of my book determined?
The author and publishing staff determine a competitive retail price which will allow for potential discounts, wholesale purchasing, school prices (if applicable), and profit for the author.

How many books should I have printed?
The number of books printed generally ranges from 1,000 - 5,000. The exact number is determined by the subject material, focus of marketing efforts, and willingness of the author to aggressively market her or his book.

What is an ISBN and will my book have an ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number, a government registration number that is assigned to a book before it can be traced and located for bookstores to purchase. If this number is not assigned a book, there is no way to move a book within the retail trade market.

We strongly recommend the author pay the fee for this registration number.

Will my book have a Library of Congress catalog number?
Yes, if you want one. We strongly recommend that the author pay for this registration which will list your title nationally, through libraries, and apart from retail and wholesale book distributors.

Will my book be registered for a copyright certificate?
This is the author's choice.

Book Rights

Once Singing River Publications publishes my book, who owns the rights?
There are two options (determined by the contract between the author and Singing Publications):

The author keeps the rights by participating in a co-op/vanity press publishing package (generally done).
Singing River Publications owns the rights if we purchase the manuscript outright from the author.
What do "rights" mean?
"Rights" refer to the ownership of the manuscript/book/music/CD or other hard copy of the author's original creation.

Will I be able to publish my book elsewhere should an agent or editor want to publish my book?
If the author has signed a contract with Singing River Publications, we have first right of refusal on subsequent print runs of the work covered by the original signed contract.

Book Availability and Distribution

How and where will my book be available?
Your books will be available on the Singing River Publications website, Amazon.com, and through wholesaler distribution. During the first 30 days of your book's release, it will be featured on the Singing River Publications homepage.

If you choose an optional "Sales Distribution Marketing Services Package", your book will be distributed at all local retail establishments, festivals, fairs and conventions we attend. Please see other optional Marketing services we offer.

Will my book be available on book store shelves?
It can be. We encourage you to read our Marketing Packages and to discuss these issues with our Marketing Director. Please contact us for more information.

Will my book be available on Amazon?
Yes. There is no extra cost to the author for this service.

Can libraries order my book?
Yes. They can order directly from Singing River Publications, the author, or the wholesale distributors with which we work.

How many copies does the average Singing River Publications book sell?
The number of books sold depends strongly upon the type of marketing plan the author selects. It is important for an author to realize and calculate the timeframe in which s/he expects the book to sell. Marketing is a very large and key part of this challenge. Please read more about our Marketing Services and contact us with any questions.

What options do people have to purchase my book?
Customers can purchase books in the Singing River online Bookstore or by printing out this form which can be mailed or faxed to Singing River Publications. In addition, telephone orders are accepted with a Visa or MasterCard. Customers may also order through any bookstore which sells Singing River Publications, Inc. books or purchased directly from the author or a Singing River Publications representative.